VALLETTA (Reuters) -Malta will declare recognition of a Palestinian state during the general assembly of the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday evening. Abela
Malta Set to Recognize Palestinian State at UN Assembly in September
VALLETTA (Reuters) -Malta will declare recognition of a Palestinian state during the general assembly of the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Tuesday evening.
Abela made the announcement hours after a similar declaration by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and days after France also announced its recognition plans.
"Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East," Abela said in a Facebook post.
The Malta government had been under increasing pressure from within its ranks to recognise a Palestinian state and the centre-right Opposition in mid-July also called for immediate recognition.
The Mediterranean EU island has a history of support for Palestinian causes and has backed efforts for a two-state solution.
Abela first announced plans for recognition of a Palestinian state in May, saying it would take place at a United Nations conference in June, but the conference was later postponed.
Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised Palestine as an independent state in May.
(Reporting by Christopher Scicluna; Writing by Sara Rossi; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
